Doctor Arrested in Goa for Alleged Assault on Moroccan Patient in ICU

Goa, September 13, 2025 - Goa Police arrested a trainee doctor, Dr. Vrushab Doshi, on September 11, 2025, for allegedly sexually assaulting a 24-year-old Moroccan woman who was being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Old Goa. The woman had been admitted on August 29 due to some health issues.

According to the officially filed complaint:

• On August 31, while the patient was immobile and under medical care in the ICU, Dr. Doshi allegedly lifted her gown under the pretext of conducting a neurological sensitivity test and committed acts of assault including touching of her private parts.

• The complaint was lodged on September 10 by the patient’s sister, a Spanish national.

• Multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been invoked in the FIR, including rape in hospital (64(2)(e)), assault or use of criminal force with intent to outrage modesty (74), unwelcome sexual contact (75), forceful disrobing (76), and insulting the modesty of women (79).

Arrest

• Dr. Doshi, who is from Solapur in Maharashtra, left Goa after the alleged incident. Goa Police located him in Sangli and arrested him.

• The private hospital (Healthway Hospital) confirmed that Dr. Doshi was promptly suspended pending further police inquiry. The hospital has stated that it is providing both moral and logistical support to the survivor, who continues to receive medical care in Healthway.

Legal Framework and Patient Vulnerability

The law recognizes certain patients, especially those who are immobile or in ICU settings, as particularly vulnerable. When assaulted in such settings, the offenses carry additional legal gravity under the relevant sections of the law.

What This Means for Patient Care

• Healthcare workers are expected to follow strict protocols for touching or examining patients, especially when patients are vulnerable or not fully conscious. Patients or their representatives should be informed about procedures.

• Regulatory bodies and hospital administrations must ensure staff credentials, supervision, and reporting mechanisms are robust and accessible.

• Complaints or allegations of assault have legal pathways, and survivors should receive medical, psychological, and legal support.

(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)